Colombia’s June 21 Runoff: A Guide for Expats
Colombia · Expat Living
Key Facts
- The date. Colombia votes in its presidential runoff on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
- The choice. Right-wing lawyer Abelardo De la Espriella faces left-wing senator Iván Cepeda.
- First round. De la Espriella led May 31 with 43.7% to Cepeda’s 40.9%, a record turnout near 58%.
- Expect a dry law. Colombia usually bans alcohol sales around election day; confirm the local hours before the weekend.
- You do not vote. Foreign residents without Colombian citizenship cannot vote and face no fines — just plan around rallies.
Colombia picks a president on June 21, and Bogotá will feel it. Here is the plain-English Colombia runoff briefing for expats: who is running, what changes on the day, and how to plan a smooth weekend.
The two candidates
The runoff is a sharp left-right contrast. Abelardo De la Espriella is a right-wing lawyer and political outsider running on security and order, backed by former president Álvaro Uribe.
Iván Cepeda is a veteran left-wing senator from the governing Pacto Histórico, campaigning to continue President Gustavo Petro’s agenda. Whoever wins takes office on August 7 for a four-year term.
How the first round went
De la Espriella led the May 31 first round with 43.7 percent to Cepeda’s 40.9 percent, a gap of about 673,000 votes. Turnout hit nearly 58 percent, a record for a Colombian first round.
Third-placed Paloma Valencia threw her support to De la Espriella, while Petro and Cepeda questioned the preliminary count. The race is close enough that the result may not be clear until late on June 21.
What changes on election day
Colombia typically imposes a ley seca, a dry law banning alcohol sales for roughly 24 hours around the vote. The exact hours are set locally, so check Bogotá’s rules a few days ahead and stock up if you want a drink.
Expect marches and gatherings, especially downtown and in the Plaza de Bolívar area. Demonstrations are usually peaceful, but crowds and road closures are likely.
What expats should do
If you are not a Colombian citizen, you cannot vote and you face no fines or obligations. Your job is simply to plan around the day.
Stay out of the historic centre and major plazas if you want calm, run errands on Saturday, and keep Colombia’s emergency number 123 handy. Northern districts like Usaquén, Chicó and Chapinero Alto carry on largely as normal.
More: Colombia news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Colombia’s presidential runoff?
Sunday, June 21, 2026. The winner is inaugurated on August 7 for a four-year term.
Who are the candidates?
Right-wing lawyer Abelardo De la Espriella against left-wing senator Iván Cepeda of the governing Pacto Histórico. De la Espriella led the May 31 first round 43.7% to 40.9%.
Will there be a dry law?
Colombia usually imposes a ley seca banning alcohol sales for about 24 hours around election day. The hours are set locally, so confirm Bogotá’s rules and shop ahead.
Can foreign residents vote?
No — only Colombian citizens can vote, and non-citizen residents face no fines or duties. Plan around rallies and road closures rather than the ballot.
Is it safe to be out on election day?
Generally yes, but expect marches and closures downtown and around the Plaza de Bolívar. Northern districts stay calm; keep the emergency number 123 handy just in case.
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